The 2024-2025 State of Schengen report, published today by the EU Commission, has highlighted the importance of the Entry/Exit System and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in order to prevent security risks in the borderless area.
The report, which calls Schengen the backbone of the EU’s internal market, points out that the digitalisation of procedures at the EU’s external border is a key element of addressing security risks, recalling a previous proposal of the Commission on the progressive start of EES operations, Schengen.News reports.
This proposal enables Schengen countries to gradually deploy the Entry/Exit System across their external borders over a period of six months, thus providing them and eu-LISA with flexibility and tools to address remaining challenges before the full roll out of the system.
Through this report, the Commission calls on co-legislators to make sure the proposal is adopted as soon as possible. It also urges for smooth preparations for the roll out of the ETIAS, highlighting the difficulties some of the Member States are still facing in the implementation of the required measures.
The Commission calls on the European Parliament and the Council, as well as on Member State authorities and eu-LISA, to ensure the that these major innovations are fully operational and follow the new timeline agreed by the Schengen Council in March 2025.
In recent years, the EU has continuously ben working to transform the way its borders are managed, in a bid to replace physical border checks with a more modern and digital border system.
The necessity to accelerate the procedures for such transformation is enhanced throughout the report, while calling for the protection of fundamental rights and security standards.
Digitalisation of EU Travel Documents Is on the Way
Last October, the Commission had come up with a proposal to digitalise travel documents, by setting a common standard for digital travel documents issued in the EU. An EU-wide mobile application to help streamline border checks is also part of the plan.
The report points out that there has been some progress made in this area, as negotiations with the European Parliament and the Council are underway.
Modernised Visa Procedures for Third-Country Nationals
Some progress has also been made on the modernisation of visa procedures, which intend to provide third-country nationals with more efficient and secure visa procedures, with the EU having set some deadlines.
The related implementing acts are currently under review and the aim is to start developing the EU visa application platform in 2026 for a start of operation of the platform and introduction of the digital visa in 2028.
The report also emphasised other achievements of the Schengen Area. Amongst others, it shows that with half a billion visitors, Schengen is once again the world’s most visited destination.
In terms of security, the bloc has detected a massive drop in irregular crossings at Schengen’s external borders, marking the lowest since 2021. Full accession of Bulgaria and Romania has also been deemed a significant factor to strengthen the EU economy.